Runx2 Regulates Galnt3 and Fgf23 Expressions and Galnt3 Decelerates Osteoid Mineralization by Stabilizing Fgf23.

Runx2 (runt related transcription factor 2) is an essential transcription factor for osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. Uridine diphosphate (UDP)-N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc): polypeptide GalNAc-transferase 3 (Galnt3) prevents proteolytic processing of fibroblast growth factor 23 (Fgf23), which is a hormone that regulates the serum level of phosphorus. Runx2 and Galnt3 were expressed in osteoblasts and osteocytes, and Fgf23 expression was restricted to osteocytes in bone. Overexpression and knock-down of Runx2 upregulated and downregulated, respectively, the expressions of Galnt3 and Fgf23, and Runx2 directly regulated the transcriptional activity of Galnt3 in reporter assays. The expressions of Galnt3 and Fgf23 in osteoblast-specific Runx2 knockout (Runx2fl/flCre) mice were about half those in Runx2fl/fl mice. However, the serum levels of phosphorus and intact Fgf23 in Runx2fl/flCre mice were similar to those in Runx2fl/fl mice. The trabecular bone volume was increased during aging in both male and female Galnt3-/- mice, but the osteoid was reduced. The markers for bone formation and resorption in Galnt3-/- mice were similar to the control in both sexes. Galnt3-/- mice exhibited hyperphosphatemia and hypercalcemia, and the intact Fgf23 was about 40% that of wild-type mice. These findings indicated that Runx2 regulates the expressions of Galnt3 and Fgf23 and that Galnt3 decelerates the mineralization of osteoid by stabilizing Fgf23.

[POLLEN FOOD ALLERGY SYNDROME IN A FIVE-YEAR-OLD BOY AFTER MOVING HOUSE AT THE FOOT OF THE MOUNTAIN: A CASE REPORT].

We report the case of a boy with a history of atopic dermatitis starting in infancy. At the age of four, his family moved into a newly built house at the foot of a mountain. One year later, he was diagnosed with Japanese Cedar pollinosis. During the same year, in March, he began to experience oral symptoms, hoarseness, and coughing, after eating multiple types of fruits and vegetables, like soybeans, apples, etc. His tests for Bet v1 and the pathogenesis-related protein-10 (PR-10) of the corresponding foods were positive; accordingly, he was diagnosed with Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome (PFAS). In order to investigate the relationship between pollen and food allergies, we counted the pollen grains dispersed at the patient's house during a period of one year and measured his specific IgE titers for pollen and food allergens every three months. We found a large amount of Japanese cedar, cypress, oak, and various other species of pollen dispersed at the patient's house. All counts were higher than the average pollen counts in the city of Fukuoka. After the seasonal dispersal of oak pollen, the patient's specific IgE antibody titers against Alder, Oak, Bet v1, Gly m4, and PR-10 protein group of fruits increased, although alder pollen was not detected. We thus inferred that the patient had developed PFAS by exposure to a large amount of Fagales species pollen, including oak.

Dietary zinc supplementation increased TNFα and IL1ß-induced RANKL expression, resulting in a decrease in bone mineral density in rats.

We investigated the effect of dietary zinc supplementation on bone metabolism in rats. Four-week-old male Wistar rats were fed a 30.0 mg zinc/kg diet (C), a 300.0 mg zinc/kg diet (HZ) or a 3,000.0 mg zinc/kg diet (EZ) for 4 weeks. The zinc content of the femur gradually increased in accordance with the gradual increase in the dietary zinc level. Although the mRNA expression of zinc transporters in bone did not differ between the groups, the mRNA expression of metallothioneins was increased in the HZ and EZ groups compared to the C group. Moreover, the bone mineral density was significantly decreased in the HZ and EZ groups compared to the C group. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor α, Interleukin-1ß and osteoclastogenesis-related genes such as receptor for activator of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) ligand, tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6, and nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1 was significantly increased in the HZ and EZ groups compared to the C group. These findings suggested that dietary zinc supplementation reduced bone mineral density through the promotion of bone resorption via an increase in the expression of receptor for activator of NF-κB ligand induced by tumor necrosis factor α and Interleukin-1ß.

Zinc Deficiency Increases Serum Concentrations of Parathyroid Hormone through a Decrease in Serum Calcium and Induces Bone Fragility in Rats.

We hypothesized that a zinc-deficient diet alters the mineral (calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus) components of bones, as well as hormones related to bone remodeling, and negatively affects bone metabolism. Four-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups for 4 wk: a zinc-adequate group (C, 30 ppm); a zinc-deficient group (ZD, 1 ppm); and a pair-fed group (PF, 30 ppm), which was pair-fed to the ZD group. Bone mineral density and bone mechanical properties were reduced in the ZD group compared to the C and PF groups. Compared with the C and PF groups, serum osteocalcin, a bone formation marker, was reduced in the ZD group. Conversely, urine deoxypyridinoline, a bone resorption marker, was increased in the ZD group compared to the C and PF groups. Calcium and phosphorus concentrations in bone were not different among all groups. The bone magnesium concentration was significantly higher in the ZD group than in the PF and C groups. Interestingly, compared with the C and PF groups, the ZD group showed a reduction in serum calcium concentration along with an increase in serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration. Although serum 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol concentration was significantly higher in the ZD and PF groups than in the C group, the rate of apparent calcium absorption was significantly lower in the ZD group than in the C and PF groups. Therefore, zinc deficiency is suspected to cause an increase in serum PTH concentration owing to an inability to maintain calcium homeostasis, resulting in bone fragility.

Effects of Dietary Calcium Supplementation on Bone Metabolism, Kidney Mineral Concentrations, and Kidney Function in Rats Fed a High-Phosphorus Diet.

We investigated the effects of dietary calcium (Ca) supplementation on bone metabolism, kidney mineral concentrations, and kidney function in rats fed a high-phosphorus (P) diet. Wistar strain rats were randomly divided into 4 dietary groups and fed their respective diets for 21 d: a diet containing 0.3% P and 0.5% Ca (C), a diet containing 1.5% P and 0.5% Ca (HP), a diet containing 0.3% P and 1.0% Ca (HCa), or a diet containing 1.5% P and 1.0% Ca (HPCa). Compared to the C group, the high-P diet increased serum parathyroid hormone concentration, markers of bone turnover, receptor activator of NF-κB ligand mRNA expression of the femur, kidney Ca and P concentrations, urinary N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase activity, and urinary ß2-microglobulin excretion, and decreased bone mineral content and bone mineral density of the femur and tibia. Dietary Ca supplementation improved the parameters of bone metabolism and kidney function in rats fed the high-P diet, while there were no significant differences in kidney Ca or P concentrations between the HP and HPCa groups. These results suggest that dietary Ca supplementation prevented the bone loss and decline in kidney function induced by a high-P diet, whereas dietary Ca supplementation did not affect kidney mineral concentrations in rats fed the high-P diet.

Magnesium deficiency increases serum fibroblast growth factor-23 levels in rats.

A magnesium (Mg)-deficient diet results in decreased serum phosphorus (P) levels and increased urinary P excretion; however, the mechanisms responsible for these effects are unclear. Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) is a potent regulator of P homeostasis. To determine the mechanisms responsible for the change in serum levels and urinary excretion of P with Mg deficiency, the present study examined the effects of Mg deficiency on serum FGF-23 levels. Male rats were randomized by weight into two groups and fed a control diet (Mg concentration: 0.05%) or a Mg-deficient diet (Mg concentration: Mg-free) for 21 days. Serum P levels in rats fed the Mg-deficient diet were significantly lower than in rats fed the control diet. Furthermore, urinary P excretion was significantly higher in rats fed the Mg-deficient diet compared to rats fed the control diet. Conversely, the tubular reabsorption rate of P was significantly lower in rats fed the Mg-deficient diet than in the controls. Serum FGF-23 levels in rats fed the Mg-deficient diet were significantly higher than those in animals fed the control diet. The results from the present study indicate that 1) Mg deficiency increases serum FGF-23 levels; and 2) Mg deficiency causes increased urinary P excretion via inhibition of renal P reabsorption, resulting in a lowering of serum P levels. Moreover, we suggest that the high serum FGF-23 levels induced by Mg deficiency contribute to the decrease in renal P reabsorption.

Linear nevus sebaceous syndrome with hypophosphatemic rickets with elevated FGF-23.

BACKGROUND: Linear nevus sebaceous syndrome (LNSS) is a rare congenital neuroectodermal disorder characterized by involvement of the skeleton and central nervous system. CASE: We report the case of a 5-year-old girl who had LNSS with hypophosphatemic rickets and multiple fractures of her extremities. Biochemical tests revealed a high serum level of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) but normal levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and parathormone (PTH). FGF-23 mRNA expression in the skin lesions of our patient's skin was found to be below the limit of detection in all samples tested by quantitative-PCR analysis. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible that an as-yet unidentified substance increases FGF-23 expression LNS lesions.

Dietary magnesium supplementation suppresses bone resorption via inhibition of parathyroid hormone secretion in rats fed a high-phosphorus diet.

This study examined the effects of dietary magnesium (Mg) supplementation on bone turnover and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in rats fed a high-phosphorus (P) diet. Male rats were randomized by weight into three groups, and fed a control diet (control), a high-P diet (HP) or a high-P and high-Mg diet (HPHMg) for 14 days. Serum osteocalcin levels were significantly higher in the HP and HPHMg groups than in the control group. Serum CTx levels were significantly higher in the HP and HPHMg groups than in the control group, while the levels in the HPHMg group were significantly lower than in the HP group. Serum PTH levels were significantly higher in the HP group than in the control and HPHMg groups. Dietary Mg supplementation had a significant influence on serum PTH levels in the HP and HPHMg groups. These results suggest that dietary Mg supplementation suppresses the high bone resorption induced by a high-P diet via inhibition of PTH secretion. Moreover, our results suggest that dietary Mg supplementation may be beneficial for the prevention of bone loss with high-P diet administration.

Dietary calcium supplementation suppresses bone formation in magnesium-deficient rats.

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of dietary calcium (Ca) supplementation on bone metabolism of magnesium (Mg)-deficient rats. Male Wistar rats were randomized by weight into three groups, and fed a control diet (control group), a Mg-deficient diet (Mg- group) or a Mg-deficient diet having twice the control Ca concentrations (Mg-2Ca group) for 14 days. Trabecular bone volume was significantly lower in the Mg- and Mg-2Ca groups than in the control group. Trabecular number was also significantly lower in the Mg- and Mg-2Ca groups than in the control group. Mineralizing bone surface, mineral apposition rate (MAR), and surface referent bone formation rate (BFR/BS) were significantly lower in the Mg- and Mg-2Ca groups than in the control group. Furthermore, MAR and BFR/BS were significantly lower in the Mg-2Ca group than in the Mg- group. These results suggest that dietary Ca supplementation suppresses bone formation in Mg-deficient rats.

[Prevention of osteoporosis by foods and dietary supplements. Magnesium and bone metabolism].

About half the total magnesium (Mg) of the body is existed in bone. Bone is one of the main Mg pools in the body. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated a positive correlation between Mg intake and bone mineral density. It is also reported that Mg deficiency induced a decrease in osteoblasts number, an increase in osteoclasts number and a decrease in bone strength in rats. In contrast, dietary Mg supplementation improved bone formation, bone resorption and bone strength in ovariectomized rats. Mg deficiency is known as a risk factor for osteoporosis, since Mg is essential mineral for normal bone growth. However, the detail of effects of Mg on bone metabolism remains unclear. Further studies should be developed to clarify the details.

Effects of lowering food intake by high phosphorus diet on parathyroid hormone actions and kidney mineral concentration in rats.

We investigated whether lowering food intake by high phosphorus (P) diet influenced parathyroid hormone (PTH) actions, bone turnover markers, and kidney mineral concentration in rats. Rats in two of the three groups were respectively given free access to a control diet (C group) and a high P diet (HP group) for 21 days. Rats in another group (PF group) were pair-fed the control diet with the HP group. Compared to the C and PF groups, serum PTH concentration, urinary C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen excretion, and kidney calcium and P concentrations were significantly higher in the HP group. Urinary excretion of cAMP was significantly lower in the HP group than in the C and PF groups. These results suggested that high P diet decreased PTH action in the kidney and increased bone resorption and kidney mineral concentrations independently of lowering food intake.

High phosphorus diet changes phosphorus metabolism regardless of PTH action in rats.

In this study, we ascertained whether the parathyroid hormone (PTH) dominantly regulated the effects of high phosphorus (P) intakes on urinary excretion of P and bone metabolism in rats. To maintain serum PTH level equally, parathyroidectomy (PTX) and sham-operated rats were constantly exposed to rPTH(1-34) and fed both control (0.3% P) and high P (1.2% P) diet for 7 days, respectively. Urinary excretions of P and C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen were significantly increased in both PTX and sham rats by the high P diet. These results suggest that high P diet increased urinary P excretion while promoting bone resorption regardless of PTH-dependent regulation.

Effects of gender on kidney function in magnesium-deficient rats.

This study investigated the gender differences in the kidney function of magnesium (Mg)-deficient rats. Male and female rats were fed a control diet or a Mg-deficient diet for 21 d. Mg-deficient diet had no significant effect on kidney calcium (Ca) or phosphorus (P) concentration in male rats, while Ca and P concentrations in female rats were significantly higher in Mg-deficient rats than in the control rats. With regard to indicators of kidney function, no significant differences in creatinine clearance and serum urea nitrogen concentration were observed among the groups. Serum albumin concentrations were significantly lower in rats fed the Mg-deficient diet than in rats fed the control diet. In both sexes, urinary albumin excretion was significantly higher in rats fed the Mg-deficient diet than in rats fed the control diet. Gender differences had no significant influence on creatinine clearance, serum urea nitrogen concentration, serum albumin concentration and urinary albumin excretion. These results suggest that gender differences have no effect on kidney function in Mg-deficient rats under the condition used.

Effect of high phosphorus diet on phosphorus metabolism in parathyroidectomized rats.

To determine the parathyroid hormone (PTH) action on kidney and bone by high phosphorus (P) diet, this study investigated PTH/PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) receptor mRNA expression in 6-week-old parathyroidectomized (PTX) rats received constant amount of PTH. To maintain serum PTH levels equally to sham operated rats, PTX rats were constantly exposed to rPTH (1-34) and fed a control diet (0.3% P) and a high P diet (1.2% P) for 7 days, respectively. There were no significant differences in serum PTH (1-34) concentration in rats fed the control diet. In sham groups, serum PTH concentrations, both (1-84) and (1-34) fragments, were increased in rats fed the high P diet than in rats fed the control diet. Urinary excretions of P and C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen were significantly increased in both PTX and sham rats by the high P diet. PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA expression in kidney and femur was not changed in both PTX and sham rats by the high P diet. In conclusion, high P diet did not change PTH action in PTX rats and increased urinary excretion of P and bone resorption regardless of PTH action.